Agro-forestry

Environmentally sustainable
practices in agricultural systems
Definition

Agro-forestry is a land use management system, it involves the

integration of trees and/or shrubs around or among crops and
pastureland to create environmental, economic and social benefits.
The trees or shrubs can be integrated in rows, grids, as contours or
dispersed randomly with the crops or livestock to achieve different
sustainable benefits.
Benefits of Agro-Forestry

1. Enhanced farmer livelihoods from income generation due to improved

crop/livestock health and decrease in losses along with the fact that
agro-forestry integration is easily affordable and accessible.
2. Improved soil structure and health because of the reduction in water
runoff for better soil filtration and reduced nutrient runoff.
3. Reduced soil erosion because of the trees roots holding the soil together
and carbon sequestration is increased through the trees/shrubs capturing
atmospheric carbon dioxide.
4. Increased food security and nutrition by restored soil fertility, crop diversity
and resilience to weather and environmental shocks for food crops.
Why is it a Sustainable
Agricultural Practice?

1. Land restoration through reducing soil erosion, water and

nutrient runoff, and regulating water availability returning the
soil and environment to its former self.
2. Reduces deforestation and pressure on woodlands for
agricultural land by providing a reusable land thats
multifunctional and has farm-grown fuelwood.